AU4580902A - Telecommunications patch panel with angled connector modules - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.

Actual Inventor(s): Michael Jay Follingstad Address for Service: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATCH PANEL WITH ANGLED CONNECTOR MODULES Our Ref: 670659 POF Code: 1415/10407 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1- 1A TELECOMMUNICATIONS PATCH PANEL WITH ANGLED CONNECTOR MODULES Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a telecommunications connecting panel, and more particularly, to a cross-connect patch panel including a frame with connector jacks on one side and connection locations on an opposite side.

Background of the Invention Local area networks and telecommunications connections often use patch panels, especially at the customer's premises to enable cross-connection between telecommunications equipment. Patch panels typically include front and rear connection locations. The rear connections are typically a more permanent type of connection, such as insulation displacement connectors to connect to copper based, twisted pair telecommunications cable. The front connections of the patch panel may include any of a variety of jacks for receipt of a plug of a patch cord or other transmission cable. The jack and plug allows fairly rapid connection and disconnection between two jacks in the same patch panel, or between one jack in the patch panel and another jack in a nearby patch panel, with the patch cord. One type of jack and plug arrangement for a patch panel is an RJ45 type connector. U.S. Patent No. 5,639,261 is an example of a cross-connect panel including rear insulation displacement connectors, and front connector jacks for receiving plugs of patch cords.

The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of any of the claims.

There is an increasing need for cable management in order to protect and organize the various cables. One area where damage and/or loss of performance may occur with copper based, twisted pair cables is when excessive bending of the cable occurs. This is especially a concern as higher frequencies are used, such as category 5 and greater. Falling below minimum W:sateSPECflDiof40060-99doc 2 bend radii of the cables can adversely affect performance with the transmission of signals through the copper wire patch cords. Therefore, there is a need for patch panels which address the cable management concerns noted above.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a telecommunications patch panel including: a plurality of connector modules, each connector module including at least one linear array of front connector jacks, each connector jack connected to a rear connection location; a frame member having brackets defining a front plane, the connector modules mounted to the frame member, each of the linear arrays of connector jacks positioned at an angle relative to the front plane.

In one preferred form of the patch panel the connector modules are rotatably mounted to the frame member. The front connector jacks of one linear array may be angled toward an end of the frame member adjacent to one of the brackets, and the front connector jacks of another linear array may be angled toward an opposite end of the frame adjacent to another of the brackets.

In one preferred from of the patch panel, the connector modules are positioned in openings through the frame member.

In the telecommunications patch panel, at least some of the front connector jacks may be configured and arranged to receive plugs of copper telecommunications cables.

Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: W: UateSPEClDivf4OO6O-99.dOC 2A Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a patch panel and a portion of a rack for holding the patch panel in accordance with the present invention, with two connector modules angled to the left and two connector modules angled to the right when the panel is mounted to the rack horizontally; Figure 2 is a top view of the patch panel of Figure 1, showing front and rear connections to cables; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the patch panel of Figure 1, showing all of the connector modules extending parallel to the frame; Figure 4 is a top view of the patch panel of Figure 3, showing front and rear connections to cables; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the patch panel of Figure 1, showing all of the connector modules angled to the left side of the frame; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the patch panel of Figure 1, showing all of the connector modules angled to the right side of the frame; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the patch panel of Figure 1; Figure 8 is an exploded top view of the patch panel of Figure 1; W:ateSPECIDivof4OO6O-99.doC Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the locking pin of the patch panel of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the bracket of the patch panel of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector module of the patch panel of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a top view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a front view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a side view of the connector module of Figure 11, an opposite side being a mirror image; Figure 15 is a rear view of the connector module of Figure 11; Figure 16 is a bottom view of the connector module of Figure 11 ;and Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of the circuit module of the connector module of Figure 11.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment of a patch panel is shown for use in connecting telecommunications equipment. Patch panel 20 is especially useful to cross-connect equipment through one or more of patch panels 20 or other panels. Patch panel 20 mounts to a rack 22 of conventional construction, such as with fasteners 26 passing through holes 28 of patch panel 20 for receipt in holes 24 of rack 22. Patch panel 20 includes a plurality of connector jacks 30, such as RJ45 connector jacks, on a front side 21. Patch panel 20 further includes a plurality of connection locations 31, such as wire termination or connection blocks 31 mounted on an opposite rear side 23. Preferably, termination blocks 31 include 110 type insulation displacement connectors. Termination blocks 31 allow for connection of signal transmission cables 46, each containing a plurality of conductive wires 48. Connector jacks 30 allow for connection of signal transmission patch cables or cords 44 including conductive wires and further including connector end plugs 42. Circuitry electrically connects each termination block 31 to a connectorjack Patch panel 20 includes a plurality of connector modules 32, where each connector module 32 includes a plurality of connector jacks 30. The connector modules 32 of patch panel 20 are arranged in a linear array. Each connector module 32 includes a linear array of connector jacks 30. One linear array of jacks 30 is shown per connector module 32. Two or more arrays could be provided.

Alternative embodiments include patch panels 20 with a single connector module 32. Also, each connector module 32 may be constructed with a single connector jack As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each connector module 32 is mounted in an angled orientation relative to frame 34. Specifically, frame 34 includes a front plane or face 36, and each connector module 32 includes a front plane or face 37 where each front face 37 of the connector modules 32 is at an angle relative to front face 36 of frame 34. Connector modules 32a, 32b are angled to the left of frame 34, and connector modules 32c, 32d are angled to the right. Alternatively stated, connector modules 32a, 32b are angled clockwise, and connector modules 32c, 32d are angled counterclockwise, as viewed from a top of frame 34 as depicted in Figure 2. If patch panel 20 was oriented vertically, then connector module 32a, 32b would be angled upwardly (or downwardly), and connector modules 32c, 32d would be angled downwardly (or upwardly).

In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the angle of displacement of each connector module 32 relative to frame 34 is about 15 degrees. In the case of patch cords 44a, 44b angled to the left, and patch cords 44c, 44d angled to the right, such an angle provides strain relief so as to help prevent cable damage and/or loss of cable performance. The cable positioning provided by the angled connector modules 32 helps reduce the likelihood of falling below the minimum bend radius of the cable as each cable travels to other jacks or other equipment. Such strain relief is advantageous over a perpendicular mounting of the connector plug relative to the cable pathway, such as illustrated in Figure 4.

Figures 3 and 4 are provided to illustrate advantageous features of patch panel 20'in accordance with the invention. Preferably, connector modules 32 are rotatable relative to frame 34. In Figures 3 and 4, each connector module 32 has its front face 37 positioned generally parallel to front face 36 of frame 34. Such an arrangement is useful when using a termination tool (not shown) to mount wires 48 to each of termination blocks 31 in the case of insulation displacement connectors.

A lock 40, shown generally in Figures 1 and 2, holds each connector module 32 to frame 34 during the termination operation. Lock 40 is releasable to allow rotation of each connector module 32 as desired. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, connector modules 32a, 32b are rotated to the left, and connector modules 32c, 32d are rotated to the right. One or more connector modules 32 can be left in the positions shown in Figures 3 and 4, if desired. Alternatively, all the connector modules 32 can be rotated to the left as shown in Figure 5, or to the right as shown in Figure 6. To maintain the connector modules in the rotated positions, lock 40 is reactivated. If desired, one or more of the connector modules 32 and frame 34 can be constructed in a permanently angled configuration relative to front face 36 frame 34.

In Figures 2 and 4, cables 44 are shown as being directed away from patch panel 20. It is to be noted that the opposite ends of cables 44 can be connected to other connector jacks 30 of patch panel 20. Also, patch panel 20 is useable in both cross-connect systems, and in inter-connect systems, as desired. Providing strain relief so as to not fall below minimum bend radii is also an issue with fiberoptic transmission cables. The telecommunications patch panel 20 of the present invention is also useful in fiber applications with appropriately configured fiberoptic connectors.

Lock 40 is a preferred feature for patch panel 20. However, a patch panel 20 where the lock is not activated, or a patch panel 20 where no lock is present are both advantageous arrangements. In those instances, each connector module 32 is positionable to the left (fully or partially), to the right (fully or partially) or parallel as desired. For connector modules which are freely rotatable, the modules 32 may move to a new position from an original position to provide the strain relief, as the patch cords 44 are added or changed.

Referring now to Figures 7 through 17, additional details of patch panel 20 are shown. Each connector module 32 includes pins 50 extending in opposite directions and defining a rotation axis 52 (see Figure- Each rotation axis 52 is generally perpendicular to the linear array defined by connector jacks Pins 52 are received in holes 54 of frame 34. The rotatable mounting of each connector module 32 to frame 34 could also be accomplished with a fastener passing through holes 54.

Frame 34 generally includes a top portion 34a and an opposing bottom portion 34b. End bracket portions 34c, 34d on opposite ends of frame 34 include rack mounting holes 28 noted above. End struts 34e are continuous with end bracket portions 34c, 34d. Middle struts 34f extend between top and bottom portions 34a, 34b. Struts 34e, 34f and top and bottom portions 34a, 34b define a linear array of openings for each receiving a connector module 32. Holes 54 of frame 34 are positioned in top and bottom portions 34a, 34b for holding the independently rotatable connector modules 32 about each respective rotation axis 52.

The rotation axes 52 extend transversely relative to the linear arrays of connector jacks 30, and also a linear array defined by the plurality of connector modules 32.

A plurality of locking pins 60, and brackets 76 are mounted to frame 34. Each locking pin 60 includes a shaft 62, two spaced apart tabs 64, 66, a first tool engageable end 68, and an opposite end 70. Each tab 64, 66 has two ends extending in opposite directions. End 70 is received in hole 56 in a respective end or middle strut 34e, 34f. Tool engageable end 68 is received in an aperture 80 of bracket 76.

Bracket 76 is mounted to top and bottom portions 34a, 34b of frame 34 with two fasteners 82 positioned through apertures 58. Each fastener 82 is received in a hole 78 of bracket 76. Once brackets 76 are mounted to frame 34, locking pin 60 is rotatable between an unlocked position, and a locked position. The locked position is shown in the Figures. The unlocked position is where shaft 62 is rotated degrees about its longitudinal axis, such as with a flathead screwdriver received in tool engageable end 68.

Each connector module 32 includes detents 84, 86 on each end. Lock is constructed wherein tabs 64, 66 are received in detents 84, 86 when connector module 32 is locked in the position shown in Figure 3. When connector modules 32 are rotated out of plane 36 of frame 34, only one tab 64, 66 is received in one of detents 84, 86. When lock 40 is rotated 90 degrees from the position shown in the Figures, none of tabs 64, 66 are receivedin any of detents 84, 86 so as to allow free rotation of connector modules 32. Locks 40 associated with middle struts 34f of frame 34 each lock two adjacent connector modules 32.

Each connector module 32 includes a circuit module 90 and a face plate 92. Circuit module 90 includes a printed circuit board 94 having a generally planar construction. As shown in Figure 17, pins 96 of each termination block 31 project through printed circuit board 94 and are soldered to the board. As shown in Figure 15, connector jacks 30 include pins 98 projecting through printed circuit board 94, and the pins are soldered tothe board. Connector jacks 30 also include two tabs 102 which snap mount to printed circuit board 94 through apertures 100 as shown in Figure 15. Printed circuit board 94 includes circuit pathways to electrically link each connector jack 30 with one of the termination blocks 31. Connector jacks are shown in the Figures with the clip receiving portion of the jack facing vertically downwardly.

Face plate 92 preferably snap mounts to circuit module 90. Opposite ends 110 of face plate 90 include inner snaps 112 for snap fitting engagement of an edge of printed circuit board 94. (See, for example, Figure 12). Such a construction allows for repair or replacement of circuit module 90 or face plate 92, as desired.

Face plate 92 includes a central opening 108 for exposing connector jacks 30. Face plate 92 further includes outwardly facing stops 114 on each end 110 which limit the amount of rotation of connector module 32 during use. Each stop 114 engages one edge 116 of bracket 76 so as to limit the amount of rotation of connector module to approximately plus or minus 15 degrees in the preferred embodiment. Each face plate includes a front designation strip area 120 for labeling of connector jacks Examples of connector jacks 30 and termination blocks 31 are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,700,167; 5,674,093; 5,639,261; 5,591,045; 5,310,363; 5,299,956; and 3,611,264.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims (5)

1. A telecommunications patch panel including: a plurality of connector modules, each connector module including at least one linear array of front connector jacks, each connector jack connected to a rear connection location; a frame member having brackets defining a front plane, the connector modules mounted to the frame member, each of the linear arrays of connector jacks positioned at an angle relative to the front plane.

2. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1, wherein the connector modules are rotatably mounted to the frame member.

3. The telecommunications patch panel of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the front connector jacks are configured and arranged to receive plugs of copper telecommunications cables.

4. The telecommunications patch panel of any preceding claim, wherein the front connector jacks of one linear array are angled toward an end of the frame member adjacent to one of the brackets, and the front connector jacks of another linear array are angled toward an opposite end of the frame adjacent to another of the brackets. The telecommunications patch panel of any preceding claim, wherein the connector modules are positioned in openings through the frame member. DATED:

5 June 2001 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC. W:Wkate\SPECivof4OO6O-99.doc